Watson Tow
nship Supervisor Kevin Travis Thursday reported to his colleagues that about 50 surveys have been returned, with the recycling question running at about 50-50 by the marijuana issue “losing by 80 percent plus.”
Watson officials included the survey on two questions in a newsletter circulated to residents.
Questions about recycling were about keeping things the way they are now, going to a $25 per household annual fee or having a vote next year on a $36 annual fee per household with a no opt-out clause in order to secure curbside recycling.
Watson Township does not now participate in the Allegan County Resource and Recovery program, so all recycling services are available only at one drop-off site, at the township hall. Problems have arisen and worsened with too many people dropping off trash and household refuse at the bins. Officials believe some of the culprits do not live in the township and they have taken steps to have surveillance cameras installed near the site.
Travis said the five cameras are expected to be installed by late June.
Watson now pays for the dropoff site and prospects appear more than likely that the expense will rise even more soon, thus the need to ask about a $25 per household fee annually, which still would allow residents to opt out of the service.
The $36 per household annual fee, with no opt out, would provide for curbside recycling. Residents in eight Allegan County townships last year voted to move to that program to get the curbside recycling.
The medical marijuana question has sought residents’ opinions about the prospects for allowing dispensaries in certain areas for the distribution, growing or processing of medical marijuana for qualified patients only. A bill passed by the State Legislature last fall permits local municipalities to decide on whether dispensaries will be allowed within their borders.
Travis said the survey questions are “useful information, helping more people to participate (in the process).”
In other business at Thursday night’s meeting the board:
- Learned from Trustee Chuck Andrysiak, liaison to the Planning Commission, that a public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, on a proposed ordinance to permit temporary second residences on property, especially for cases in which residents wish to take care of aging parents. Andrysiak said the ordinance would spell out rules for people “who don’t want them (parents) living in their house, but want them living close enough to take care of them.”
- Approved a revised Hopkins Area Fire Board agreement that includes language recognizing Monterery Township as a member, joining Watson and Hopkins townships. Hopkins Township Supervisor Mark Evans is chairman and officers include Monterey Supervisor Henry Reinhart, Hopkins Village President Mary Howard and Marci Fredericks.
